Why are my feet ticklish?

Scientists aren’t sure why some body parts (and people!) are so ticklish. One theory is that ticklishness may teach us to protect vulnerable spots. But that doesn’t explain things like why these spots aren’t ticklish to everyone.

Scientists have discovered that most of us can’t tickle ourselves. We can tickle lightly, just not enough to make ourselves squeal and laugh. When we try, the brain, which controls movement, knows not to react to what’s coming. (It’s like not being able to startle ourselves.)

Even people who dislike being tickled may physically react by laughing and smiling. We don’t yet know why. Tickling tickles our curiosity!